Zardari Refused Bunker Advice
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari revealed that during Operation Sindoor, his Military Secretary urgently advised him to move into a bunker for safety as Indian precision strikes began. He said the officer warned him, “Sir, the war has started,” but he refused, stating that leaders must stand firm during national crises. His remarks have added momentum to the growing Operation Sindoor Pakistan reaction, especially as Pakistan had initially downplayed the impact of India’s strikes.
India’s Precision Strikes Sparked Strong Reaction
Operation Sindoor, conducted by India from May 7 to May 10, targeted terror infrastructure and strategic military sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK). Zardari said he had anticipated rising tensions even before the operation began, yet chose not to enter the bunker despite the warning. His disclosure has intensified the Operation Sindoor Pakistan reaction, revealing that Pakistan’s top leadership expected significant escalation but chose to keep it contained publicly.
Pakistan Confirms Damage to Air Base
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar added further weight to the Operation Sindoor Pakistan reaction by admitting that Indian drone strikes caused notable damage. He confirmed that India sent around 80 drones in just 36 hours, and one drone struck the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi. The attack injured military personnel and damaged infrastructure, contradicting Pakistan’s earlier claims of minimal or no impact from Operation Sindoor.
India Claims Major Aerial Success
India’s Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the Indian Air Force downed six Pakistani aircraft during the operation. The downed aircraft reportedly included five fighter jets and one AEW&C surveillance aircraft. These claims, combined with statements from Zardari and Dar, show that Pakistan suffered significant military setbacks. As the Operation Sindoor Pakistan reaction continues to dominate discussions, Zardari’s statement — “Leaders don’t die in bunkers” — has become one of the defining quotes of the four-day confrontation.
